Screen time for kids?

Ever since Zech turned 3 last Dec, he started watching an educational DVD once a week. His DVDs were limited to Leapfrog, Eric Carle and a series of short Mandarin stories. Recently, I've increased Zech's screen time. Probably inevitable.

The units from MFW, N for nest and T for turtle, were great opportunities to expose Zech to the natural world. Something that is difficult to see and experience in our city. So DVDs and the internet are great windows to the world beyond Singapore.

Sid the Science kid, which is now Zech's fav, is highly recommended. We watched 'home tweet home'. Wonderful series that educate and inspire...

At least, it inspired me to have a nest building activity with Zech after watching the show.

A home for the hen.

A home for Zech's craft bird.

We watched some great videos on YouTube.

Here's one showing how the hummingbird builds its nest.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aupSOndl7W0

Another one by BBC showing the weaver bird.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6svAIgEnFvw

An eye-opener for Mummy too!

For T for turtle unit, I chose a few videos. They were simply amazing! I've always wanted to witness a real turtle lay eggs and now I finally did!

Witnessing the birth of hundreds of hatchlings. It was really a long wait but the good thing about videos is I can fast forward the process.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afsBBRbQb_I

A turtle laying eggs. Live!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cwtjj9bRGtM

Discovered Jonathon Bird's Blue World series. Very cool! Up close and personal with sea turtles.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_44-x_gWE7Y

So you see, I'm not against screen time for kids. But it must be restricted with a certain amount of educational value in it. And usually, I sit down with Zech during screen time so that I can explain and enjoy the programme with him. It's a wonderful way to relax too!